Encryption is an invaluable cybersecurity tool for enterprises, ensuring data is protected from prying eyes. Firms seeking to avoid data breaches that are shopping for encryption software will find a diverse range of options available to select from, but not all offer equal levels of security. In this blog, we’ll examine a common term users come across when selecting software, “256-Bit Encryption” and explore what it refers to.
Understanding 256-Bit Encryption
256-bit encryption describes the key length employed to encrypt and to decrypt data. Effectively, encryption is a process that takes plaintext data and converts it into ciphertext, a jumbled version of the original electronic data. To revert the ciphertext to legible data, users require the 256-bit key.
Many cybersecurity experts consider 256-bit encryption to be the strongest level of data encryption as it currently employs the longest encryption key in use to date. This approach needs 14 different rounds of multiple processes to completely encrypt the data but also the same number of processing rounds to successfully decrypt it.
To use an analogy, imagine needing to bypass 14 individual vault doors in a safe to reach the information you required access to. Providing that you know the designated code for each specific lock, you can eventually open each of the 14 doors. However, if you need to work out what each code is, it will take you an excessively long time to gain access.
Next generation encryption
At Galaxkey, all the cybersecurity products that we provide to enterprises are based on our unique encryption architecture based on the three-layered onion model. Each secure layer must be effectively removed before users can access the one below. As a result, secure data can only be accessed after all the three protective layers are totally gone. For additional fortification, we have combined the strengths of RSA 2048 encryption and AES 256-bit encryption. Consequently, we have produced a powerful model that delivers similar protection to 3 combination locks in a scenario where each individual lock involved has 2 to the power 256 different possibilities to select from. However, our system offers no password or key to unauthorised entities that assists them in cracking the combination. As a result of our identity-based solution, no user keys or passwords are ever stored, making penetration of Galaxkey encryption practically impossible.
If you are ready to safeguard the data you store, share and send with our unique encryption solution, contact us today for a free two-week trial.
